Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypnosis?

A natural state of absorbed focused concentration combined with heightened awareness. People experience this state naturally throughout each and every day. Common examples might include, day dreaming, when you are totally immersed in a good book, movie or TV show, engrossed in a favourite hobby, lost in thought, or even when driving. There is no one particular hypnotic feeling as such and everyone experiences it in a slightly different way, so most people don’t normally realise when they have entered the state. They usually just feel very pleasantly comfortable and a little zoned out. Hypnosis is simply a state of mind, in much the same way that happiness is a state of mind.

All hypnosis is really self hypnosis, which means that the hypnotist is guiding you into hypnosis, rather than doing hypnosis to you, therefore you always have control and a choice over what happens.

One common misconception is that hypnosis requires some form of special power, this is simply not true. Hypnosis is a perfectly normal and natural state of mind that we experience frequently in our day to day life and which almost anyone can enter at will. Guiding someone into hypnosis is a skill which anyone can learn to do. However, as with any other skill, some people have personality traits that make them naturally better at it than others.

What is hypnotherapy?

In hypnotherapy you are guided into the state of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. It is literally therapy done while in the state of hypnosis and can be thought of as an effective and speedy form of psychotherapy. Hypnotherapy can help change your patterns of behaviour and perceptions, enabling irrational fears, phobias, habits, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome. With the help of the hypnotherapist, you are able to look at problems differently and maybe discover solutions to problems that had been missed before. A hypnotherapist will use their knowledge of psychology to effect change and promote wellbeing.

The British Medical Association approved hypnotherapy as a valid medical treatment in 1955 and the American Medical Association followed in 1958.

Isn’t hypnosis just relaxation?

No, another common misconception is that hypnosis is simply just relaxation. If you think of hypnosis or trance as a state of heightened awareness and highly absorbed focus then there are lots of examples in life where you can be in that state of mind and yet be anything but relaxed. Relaxation is highly beneficial in a therapeutic setting and is commonly used as a way to induce hypnosis, but hypnosis is not relaxation. There are many ways to induce hypnosis without relaxing at all. Dr William McGeown at the Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Hull University, conducted a study which showed that a unique pattern of brain activity occurred during hypnosis which was distinctly different from relaxation. Quite worryingly many hypnotherapists also seem to confuse hypnosis and relaxation, which may indicate a poor level of understanding, or inadequate training.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Yes – if they want to be. The myth that only some people can be hypnotised came from a research study in which a hypnotic induction script was read out to a group of volunteers. A small percentage of the volunteers didn’t achieve any sort of recognisable level of hypnosis, so it was concluded that a small percentage of the general population couldn’t be hypnotised. In reality all the test really proved was that some people didn’t respond well to that particular method of induction. If the induction method is adjusted to suit the individual person, and the person wants to be hypnotised, then hypnosis is almost guaranteed.

Thankfully there are many ways to induce hypnosis, and a suitable approach is quite easily found. A skilled hypnotherapist does not work from a script and will adapt the hypnotic induction process from moment to moment based on their observations of your subtle non-verbal responses. In effect creating a unique induction that is specific to you in that moment in time.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No absolutely not. Its a bit like asking ‘Can I get stuck in a daydream?’.

Can I be forced to do things against my will?

Emphatically, NO! You are always in control and aware of what you are thinking and doing.

What if you can’t hypnotise me?

The only people who can’t be hypnotised are those who can’t understand the instructions, those who are completely inebriated through alcohol or drugs or those who don’t want to be hypnotised. Everyone else can be hypnotised, but the intensity and response levels do differ from person to person. Generally speaking the more practice a person has at being hypnotised, the more easily and quickly they’ll be able to achieve it.

Are these depths important then to the success of the therapy?

For most personal change work a surprisingly light level of hypnosis is all that is really required. Some forms of therapy may require more intense or deeper levels of hypnosis, which is why we generally tailor the therapy to your needs and according to the level of hypnosis that suits best.

I don’t like the idea of having my mind controlled.

Again, don’t worry. It won’t be. On the contrary, you will always remain in control, but the skill of the hypnotherapist is to work within your control and still bring about change at a deep level.

As mentioned above all hypnosis is really self hypnosis, which means that the hypnotist is guiding you into hypnosis, rather than doing hypnosis to you, therefore you always have control and a choice over what happens.

Am I aware of what is happening?

Absolutely. You will remember the details of the session(s), in fact it feels so normal, that some people feel that they weren’t hypnotised. You just feel very pleasantly relaxed and zoned out, much like when you day dream, you don’t realise you’re doing it until you’ve stopped!

So I am not asleep then?

Not at all. You will normally just be very relaxed and your awareness will be enhanced, not dulled. Often you may feel as if you have not been ‘under’ although in actual fact you have been hypnotised.

Will I be made to do silly things like those you see on stage or TV? And are there any bad side effects?

No, of course not! You are coming for therapy not entertainment. You will always be treated with the utmost respect, and your confidentiality will be safeguarded. Also, do remember that my job is to help you feel better, not to make a fool of you. Just take a look at the Code of Ethics and Practice that I must follow.

What is NLP?

You could think of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as an owner’s manual for the brain. It is the science of how the brain codes learning and experience. This coding affects all communication and behaviour. It affects how you learn and how you percieve the world around you. It is a key to reaching goals and achieving excellence.

What are the benefits of using NLP?

NLP can help you to achieve your goals, improve relationships and communication, control you own internal mental states, create powerful new internal states, align your internal resources for maximum enjoyment, and communicate quickly and effectively.

In short, you will find it easier to achieve your personal and professional goals, because you’ll gain greater access to your internal resources as well as have more fun while doing it.

What conditions can you treat?

Nearly everyone can benefit in some way from psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and NLP, whether you want to change a habit, reduce anxiety, build confidence, rid yourself of a phobia or some other emotional problem, or improve a skill you already have, hypnosis and NLP can help.

No, hypnosis is a proven therapeutic tool and is perfectly safe, with no harmful side effects.

Are you supervised for the work you do?

Yes, I am required by my governing body to attend 2 hours of one-to-one supervision per month with a fully qualified UKCP registered supervisor. During clinical supervision sessions, cases and other professional issues are discussed in a structured and confidential way. The purpose is to ensure good service to clients and assist in my own professional development.

Can you guarantee me a cure?

Nothing in life is guaranteed, and my governing body does not considered it to be professional or ethical to offer one. The human mind is staggeringly complex, and there are many factors in your life which are outside of my awareness and influence which can affect the results.

However, you can be assured that as a professional therapist, I can indeed guarantee that I will bring all my skills, knowledge, experience and ongoing training to bear in bringing you lasting relief in your problem. It is important to realise that therapy is not a magic wand which ‘zaps’ the problems away, it is a relationship were we both work together to help you change. Therefore the more involved and committed to the treatment you are, generally the better the results will be.

Be wary of any therapist offering guarantees as they usually have some cleverly worded get out clauses, or simply charges you so much for the treatment up front that they can easily absorb the costs of any ‘free’ follow up sessions. Whilst relying on the fact that you’ll quickly get fed up with returning for treatment and stop going.

Why would I need a therapist? Can’t a good friend help me? Why would I need to see someone like you?
Several reasons. First your friend is not trained to deal impartially with such problems. Any hurt or upset or problem you have may also affect your friend, who being close to you, would not have the detachment necessary to help you to deal with the emotional content of the problem professionally. Also a good therapist works at your deeper psychological levels in order to deal with the problem at deeper levels.

How can I be sure that you are the right therapist for me?

I offer an Initial Consultation/Assessment Session which usually last about 60 minutes. This gives us the chance to discuss your problems more fully and gives you the chance to think things over, if you wish, before finally making up your mind. It is absolutely essential that you feel comfortable with your therapist. A good therapist will respect all this. It also gives me the chance to determine whether I am the best person to help you, it is after all my job to make you feel better, not worse. If I don’t believe that I can help you, I will not waste your time, and may refer you on to someone with more relevant experience.

Are drugs or gadgets like swinging watches or rotating spirals used?

No, today the psychological process of going into hypnosis is now more fully understood and a good therapist does not need to rely on such gimmicks. In modern hypnotherapy, the therapists voice, words and behaviour are all that are used to guide you into an altered state by helping you to focus your thoughts and relax you body.

I Believe Strongly in continuing professional development, which keeps my skills fresh and at the cutting edge.

My current on-going supervision are as follows:

Monthly clinical supervision sessions (minimum 2 hours per month)

So when can I come and see you?

I am available to see clients Monday to Friday, both during the daytime and most evenings. You may contact me by email Click here to email or phone me at the number below for more details.

I practice from a consulting room in my home and also at a local complementary health clinic on certain days of the week, if you would prefer to see me at the complementary health clinic instead then do please let me know when booking your appointment.

How do I book an appointment?

You may contact me by email Click here to email or phone me on 0161 881 4333 to arrange an appointment.

What can I expect at my initial appointment?

At your initial consultation, I will spend some time talking you through your symptoms and medical history. This is necessary to ensure a full understanding of your condition, and may involve some questions of a personal nature.

Please be assured that all information is confidential, and will be used to properly assess which approach will be best suited to your needs.

Consultation fees are always paid when booking your next session. Discounts of 10% and 20% are available when paying for multiple sessions in advance.

How frequently do I need to attend?

Initially I’d like to see you at least once a week. This helps us to build a good therapeutic relationship, explore your issues in detail and work our way through the various aspects of them. As you make progress, less frequent sessions can be arranged.

Do you charge for cancellations or a last minute rescheduling?

Yes I do. I ask you to agree to give me an absolute minimum of 1 working days notice. Otherwise expect to pay me for the time I set aside to see you, whatever the reason for your cancellation.

How many sessions will I require?

This is something that is extremely hard to predict and usually you will be given a rough estimate based on my prior experience of dealing with similar issues. We will review our work regularly and update our outcomes and estimates as we go along. Usually we will work for as long as is necessary for you to resolve your issues. As a very rough guide, many very specific issues can be dealt with in as little as four to eight sessions, for more deep rooted, multiple or complex problems which may require deeper analysis and work, more will be required.

What if I want to stop coming?

If you want to stop coming do please tell me. In order to close our work cleanly and deal with any difficulties and loose ends, we usually negotiate an ending period. This is usually just a session or two, or can be a number of sessions depending on the complexity of any difficulties that arise.

I am covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance and am bound by a strict Code of Ethics and Practice, set out by my governing bodies, the The UKCP, the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, the Corporation of Advanced Hypnotherapy, and the Association for Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

DBS Check

I hold a recent Enhanced DBS certificate (formerly known as a CRB certificate).

Can I get a refund?

No refund is payable for the sessions you have attended whatever the circumstances. If you pay in advance for the treatment then unused sessions will be refunded just as soon as you let me know that you don’t need to continue. You are paying for my time, skills, knowledge, experience and training. I cannot offer guarantees and it is unprofessional and unethical to do so, as there are many factors in your life which are outside of my awareness and influence which may affect the results.

Accreditation

UKCP Registered and Accredited Psychotherapist

Accredited Member of the Community for Contemporary Psychotherapy (AccMCCP)